1. Truly: "Proudly Overbuilt In The U.S.A.”: I have to QUALIFY me long review in that it’s me FIRST recurve and FIRST “premium steel” anything except the forged 8620 steel on me M1A receivers. Truly built like a TANK. This is a man's knife. Heavy work duty and a lethal backup should SHTF (now seems squarely ahead). Every component fabricated and assembled right here in the USA which is VERY important to me. INSTANTLY discernible quality right out of the box. Blade is a substantial piece of 30v steel, geometry exquisitely machined. Stonewash finish is evenly and beautifully applied. Blade has NO play, and aligns closed dead center when closed with enough of the liner lock's head blocking the butt of the blade insuring it stays locked. The reversible spring-steel pocket clip is solid spring steel which holds tight. One could EDC this tool even when wearing even a $500. suit (IF) carried HORIZONTALLY on a thick/quality dress belt – and (IF) you creatively modify one of the LOW profile leather "holsters" available to match belt color. In denim jeans I didn't even notice it was there when I stopped consciously trying to feel it when I got busy. Bottom line? One would have to be excessively querulous to find fault with this tool. I’m going to buy two more – one for each of our boys birthdays.
2. CPM-S30V STEEL AND SHARPENING; This is me FIRST recurve and S30V steel. Also, no big fan of "designer” type steels feeling they're in part marketed to increase product margins and increasingly difficult to sharpen. But I stared at this 0350 for 2 months and finally bought it. I’ve had it for all of 5 days and thus far have: Cut ten, I tell you (10) equal sections of T3 paracord to secure grommets on my grill/smoker's canvas cover. Cut must have been near 20 old brittle 1/4" zip ties off clamp and screw secured conduit (using only the TIP). Sectioned out 8 rectangular panels of me neighbor’s refrigerator box to make silhouette targets I'll final shape with an Xacto blade. After the above, last night it STILL sliced through quality 8 1/2" x 11" paper stock.
2(A): Have to figure out best way to SHARPEN a recurve. Called KAI direct and was advised the ANGLE should be between 18-22 degrees though KAI "FAQ’s" state 20-22 deg. Methinks 20 degrees would nail it. Thus far have it narrowed down to either me Whetstones with ROUNDED corners (for recurve section), or getting a Lansky Kit adding their Sapphire 2000 stone. Also use the 12"x 3" paddle STROP with slick and flesh sides... Stropping DOES make a difference. For cleaning me knives I use CLP from a couple of OTIS Kits as don't use CLP on me firearms. Wipe clean, then oil SPARINGLY with SLIP 2000 EWL which doesn’t run. I don’t use WD-40 on me edged tools or firearms despite that it's one KAI suggests.
3. THUMB STUDS: I've read reviews citing them being "difficult" and/or "uncomfortable" (vs. flipper). Though using the flipper is obviously mechanically more convenient I find the thumb stud/s also easy to use though they are in fact almost touching the frame. The flipper is a (D)ream to use and its mechanism is almost (ALMOST) gives an auto-knife like response. Be CAREFUL breaking this knife in later/general EDC use as it will get your attention if your finger gets in the path when closing it (ask me how I know).
4. G10 and JIMPING: I don't know how KAI could have machined either any better. The G10 etching is actually comfortable, as is the jimping, to the point both are actually comfortable to handle even after an hour of uninterrupted use. The best I've ever felt from this fiberglass composite/laminate and equally as comfortable when using a reverse (stabbing motion) grip. The G10 etching is perfect. A dead secure grip even when wet with water which I tried.
5. SPEED ASSIST/TORSION BAR MECHANISM: I read comments about "removing the speed assist". Why the devil anyone would do this escapes (me). Though the torsion bar will eventually need replacing, KAI tests it to 10,000 openings. If you send it to them in OR. they'll change it for free less of course $hipping as they will for sharpening, but you can get a better than Factory edge, probably in part done to avoid liability claim/s by some moron’s self-inflicted stupidity, attaining competency in procedure, correct angle across stones where you can get a "hair splitting edge." I suspect many here already can, and do. Again, STROPPING does make a difference as the final step in sharpening. I've seen pictures of edge so clean and precise you can actually read reflected text on the edge held directly over a book's page.
6. "FULLFILMENT”: I dealt with Wisemen Trading & Supply in AL. for a minor shipping issue by NO means their fault. They could NOT have been more professional or just plain Heartland America friendly. Kith and Kin always rise to the top. A family run business of standup American Patriots I will do business with again. Fortunately, they escaped the recent CAT4 tornado.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| Brand | ZT |
| Model Name | ZT0350SW |
| Special Feature | Folding |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Included Components | Knife |
| Handle Material | Fiberglass |
| Color | Black/Stonewash |
| Blade Material | Alloy Steel |
| Style | 0350SW |
| Blade Length | 3.25 Inches |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Item Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point |
| Blade Edge | Plain Edge |
| Item Length | 3.25 Inches |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00087171034249 |
| Size | 3.3" |
| Manufacturer | Kershaw Sporting Goods |
| UPC | 087171034249 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6.69 x 3.46 x 1.73 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.53 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Brand Name | ZT |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer Warranty |
| Material | Blend |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 0350SW |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Sport Type | Multisport |
